Penny for My Thoughts

To see a black person in Vancouver is a rare nostalgic moment You see a black person in Vancouver and wave with delight Suddenly, you're not alone Suddenly, you have a brother or sister in this Greystone

Living in this part of the world, as a person with dark skin, you'd expect something different; something better than the deeply-rooted systemic racism and the inability of your friends with paler skin to accept and comprehend the bias and prejudice you face.

You begin to wonder if they are really your friends.

Would a friend defend an ideal passed down rather than entertain the possibility of that ideal being prejudiced and discriminatory?

2021, in the age of information, should it still be considered as ignorance or is it a decision to continue to favor one race above all others?

Are your friends really your friends?

Does your white boss really look out for you or is she going to let it slide and say it's an issue for HR and public affairs? Everyone expects it to be a big moment that causes change but refuses to accept that it starts with the little actions each individual takes.

To see a black person in Toronto is just another day You see a black person in Toronto and just nod in acknowledgement

It's sad that systemic racism still exists here with all the people of color. Parliament isn't spared this racism.

Is it the deep knowledge of what it took to take over this country ? Or Is it the guilt of their ancestor's actions or is it just fear? Fear that they'll lose the stolen land they inherited.

The oppressors must be stopped.

The police who kill people must be stopped.

A person struggling with mental health must not be given a gun and a badge and be told to protect and serve. It is your job to know which officers in your department are struggling. It is your job to see to it that they receive help before being given such a tasking duty;

"To protect and to serve."

It is your job, Prime Minister, President, Queen to wash yourself of all the racism and ignorance passed from your father, office or throne. It is your job to protect every member of society regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

For in this current climate to be a person of color is to be a deer in the woods But in the name of God and history, to be a person of color is love, pride, and greatness. To be a person of color is to be human.

E.V.A Sam (thesiralphonse)